Regrets

51

Heather found herself in the gynaecology clinic, anxiety gnawing at the edges of her thoughts.

"Well, Mrs. Crawley, we have your results," the doctor began.

Heather's heart sank, her mind spiralling toward the worst-case scenario. What if it's cancer? After enduring so many hardships, optimism had long since abandoned her.

"Is everything alright, doctor?" she inquired, her voice betraying her unease.

"Yes, but I need to take you for a scan."

The doctor's next words left her reeling. "Well, congratulations—you are 16 weeks pregnant."

Disbelief washed over Heather. "I'm 49 years old, doctor. Is that even within the realm of possibility?"

"Why not? There's no absolute rule prohibiting pregnancy at your age. Granted, the odds are significantly lower."

Heather's complexion drained of colour, resembling that of a ghost.

"Is this not welcome news?" the doctor probed gently.

"I don't know. I wasn't prepared for this," she confessed, her mind racing. "I distinctly remember having my tubes tied when I was 26."

"Were they cut and tied?" the doctor asked.

"I don't recall... It wasn't a decision I made willingly," she replied, a shadow of bitterness in her tone.

"Well, it's within the realm of possibility," the doctor acknowledged.

"I need time to process this," she murmured, overwhelmed by the revelation.

"Ensure you take your vitamins and don't forget folic acid," the doctor advised, but her words barely registered.

Heather fled the hospital, her thoughts a chaotic whirlwind.

How on earth could this be happening? she muttered to herself.  A few years ago, I would have welcomed the chance to have children with Daniel. But now? This is the time for grandchildren, not a newborn.

She slumped onto a bench in the corridor, her mind adrift in a sea of confusion.

After regaining some composure, she returned home and immediately cancelled all her appointments.

She began researching late-in-life pregnancies, scouring the internet for information. It was, undeniably, nothing short of a miracle, but the risks associated with such a pregnancy loomed large.

Her thoughts then drifted to Rose. She will never accept this, Heather thought with certainty. And my sons? They might be mortified. Even Daniel—surely he would agree that it's far too late to be having another child.

The decision solidified in her mind: it would be best to terminate the pregnancy quietly, without anyone knowing. She wasn't even sure if she would inform her husband.

*************************************************************************************************************

Marissa had always been a lavish spender, unable to resist her impulses. Recently, she indulged herself by purchasing an exorbitantly priced Hermès bag. A few years ago, that sum of money would have been inconsequential to Aaron, but now it was an extravagant expense.

"Marissa, how could you spend money so recklessly? We can't afford this. You need to step up and show some maturity."

"It's just a bag, for Pete's sake. Why are you making such a fuss?"

"Just a bag? It costs a fortune! Think about Alissa. Learn from your mother's and sister's misfortunes. They squandered your inheritance and lost everything."